Back to being a student

I had confirmation of my registration today to start doing an Open University course. My aim is to achieve a degree in Environmental Science but starting off gently with a level 1 Exploring Science course to ease me into it

I hope I can get back into studying after such a long time

That sounds like a brilliant idea PPH. Well done you, I'm not sure I could study after so many years. Looking forward to hearing how you are enjoying it.

Once you've successfuly completed, what are you hoping to do?

Lai

I don't really have any specific job in mind but I would love to get some kind of work within the environmental charity sector. Maybe working within nature reserves.

You're never to old to go back to study. My mum has just graduated with a nursing degree at the age of 55, and she said it was the most worthwhile thing she did, she said it was hard to begin with but it got easier

Sounds like a good idea, to work with nature/animals/birds would be so rewarding.

I know you are probably right re the studying - I think I'm studying photography or trying to learn and that's hard enough! I am far too easily distracted.

How long is the Open University course? I admire your determination PPH.

Lai

OU is great because its a modular way of studying. There are 3 levels of courses that are worth 'points' and to get a degree you have to study modules that add up to a certain amount of points and tend to be 2 x Level 1 courses 2 x level 2 courses and 1 x level 3 course but each degree is different.

So you go at your own pace really, they set out the modules you need to get a specific degree and you follow it. The quickest you can do it really is 3/4yrs

What a great idea PPH, I hope you enjoy it, and as you say your never to late to do these things. Just over 10Yrs ago I was made redundant, and when it cane to filling in application forms GCE O Levels gained in 1962, really did'nt look relavant today. So enrolled at a local college, and did business study's, IT, and call center courses, I actualy found it quite easy, a lot was down to the experience I had, but I really enjoyed being in an inviroment with younger people, and helping them when I could, plus the bonus was I had updated qualifications
WS

Thanks for the info PPH - that sounds good to work at your own pace and realistic to do it over 3 or 4 years.

Good for you WS - what a great idea to gain some new qualifications, always useful and a great way to meet some new people.

Lai

Hi PPH

I completed my Level 1 Discovering Science a few years ago. I believe the Exploring Science is an upgrade on my course. Still have to 2018 to trade in my points before I lose them. I loved the course and the weeks residential in Keele was brilliant fun.

You will enjoy it and if you want to run anything past me I will try and help, but Im sure you wont need it!

SM

Well Done You PPH I think studying as you get older is actually easier because you are more focused and you have generally made the decision to change track on your career so you are doing something that genuinely interests you and not something you think you may enjoy.

I wish you well and i'm sure you will do fine. 3 - 4 years will go quite quick i'm sure and I really hope it leads you to where you want to be. Please keep us informed as to how it's all going.

littlewid-x-

thanks for all the support guys and for the offer of help SW

its a bit scary but i'm looking forward to it, its also means I have had an excuse to buy a new laptop as the one I had is not the right spec for my course :)